Classical Myth by Powell (9th Edition) - libgen.li (1)

Heracles Overview

• Heracles, known as Hercules in Roman mythology, is the most celebrated Greek hero.

• His life stories are reminiscent of those of Gilgamesh and reflect strong similarities to the epic tales from the East.

• Key Themes:

  • Strength and adventurous nature.

  • Understanding of loyalty and friendship.

  • Conflict between the natural world and human civilization.

• After a tumultuous life, he ascended to Olympus, becoming a god, symbolic of a journey that Gilgamesh yearned for but could not achieve.

Birth and Early Life

Parentage

• Heracles’ mother is Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae.

• His father is Zeus, who, in disguise as Alcmena's husband Amphitryon, fathered him on the same night Amphitryon did, leading to the birth of twins:

  • Heracles: From Zeus.

  • Iphicles: From Amphitryon.

Infancy

• Heracles’ extraordinary strength is apparent when Hera, jealous of Zeus’s infidelity, sent serpents to kill him. He famously strangled them.

The Twelve Labors

• Following a tragic incident where he kills his wife and children during madness induced by Hera, Heracles sets out to perform Twelve Labors under King Eurystheus to atone for his sins.

1. Nemean Lion: Killed the invulnerable lion using brute strength.

2. Lernaean Hydra: Defeated the multi-headed snake, aided by Iolaüs who cauterized the necks to prevent regeneration.

3. Ceryneian Deer: A sacred, golden-horned deer of Artemis was captured and later released.

4. Erymanthian Boar: Captured and brought the ferocious boar to Eurystheus.

5. Augean Stables: Cleaned the stables in one day by diverting a river.

6. Stymphalian Birds: Scared away and killed the deadly birds with arrows.

7. Cretan Bull: Captured the bull sent by Minos and brought it back alive.

8. Horses of Diomedes: Fed Diomedes to his own man-eating horses.

9. Girdle of Hippolyta: Acquired the girdle from the queen of the Amazons.

10. Cattle of Geryon: Killed Geryon and captured his magnificent cattle.

11. Apples of the Hesperides: Retrieved the golden apples from the nymphs, tricking Atlas into fetching them.

12. Cerberus: Captured the three-headed guardian of the underworld.

Marriage and Madness

• Married Megara, but fell into insanity, influenced by Hera, leading to tragic outcomes.

• In madness, he killed Megara and their children, which spurred him to seek redemption through the Twelve Labors.

• Deianira, his second wife, inadvertently caused his death by giving him a poisoned shirt.

Legacy and Death

• Ultimately, Heracles achieved immortality after death, marrying Hebê, the goddess of youth. His story continues to inspire numerous works of literature and art, embodying the struggle between human flaws and heroic ideals.

• His complex persona reflects themes of tragedy, strength, and transformation.

Significant Characters in Heracles' Myth

• Alcmena: Mother, daughter of Electryon.

• Zeus: Father and chief of gods.

• Iphicles: Heracles’ mortal twin.

• Eurystheus: Cousin and king who imposed the Labors.

• Megara: First wife, mother of his first children.

• Deianira: Second wife, whose actions led to his demise.

• Hera: Jealous wife of Zeus, often hindered Heracles.

Cultural Impact

• Heracles has become a symbol of enduring strength, often featured in various forms of art, literature, and popular culture, exemplifying the ideal of the flawed hero.